Applications now open for £9.5m music institute in Brierley Hill

From September 2020 students will be able to study for undergraduate degrees in subjects including popular music performance, production, composition and business at the £9.5 million school Resonance.

Students can apply from today until the end of July 2020.

The project is not exclusively for students, with bosses saying they hope it will become a vital community music hub in the Black Country.

All courses at Resonance, based on The Waterfront in Brierley Hill, will be led by industry professionals.

Chief Executive David Barnard said everyone involved is excited to finally be able to think about students starting at the institute in 2020.

“Work on the building at Cable Plaza is ongoing and we are on course to get the keys back in December,” he said.

“But now students can start applying to Resonance, and for that first cohort who attend next year, they will not only be a part of history, but will get a top-class education in the music industries.

“Students will have to apply via the Resonance website directly and fill out the form, similar to how you would apply to conservatoires. Once their application is received they will then be invited to the audition.

“This really is going to be a one-of-a-kind place to study music. Just thinking about students coming here and it being a hive of activity and learning is tremendous.”

Resonance will also be holding a series of open days from January 19 next year.

In a further drive to engage with potential students, the Resonance team have been touring the country, travelling over 1,000 miles over the last few months visiting colleges to spread the word.

Last week students at Dudley College welcomed the Resonance Roadshow band for its homecoming gig and final tour date of the year after it covered more than 1,000 miles.

Dudley College of Technology Principal Neil Thomas said: “We are delighted that Resonance will be providing more opportunities for our learners to progress to higher-level programmes when it opens its doors next year.

We recognise the contribution creative industries make to the economy and it’s an exciting proposition for our learners to have an institute backed by world-class musicians on their doorstep.”

Alan Lunt, Deputy Chief Executive at Dudley Council, said: “The band has done a great job out on the road spreading the word about the new music institute, which we hope will bring hundreds of students to the borough.

“Resonance will be at the heart of DY5, Dudley’s Business and Innovation Enterprise Zone, and will massively boost both our local economy as well as putting Dudley on the national map.”

Places at Resonance will be limited to ensure that students get the best teaching and practical experiences.